King David once prayed, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Psalm 51:12
As I wrote the book, “Through Their Eyes” God answered this same prayer in my heart. I needed, desired, I craved “Joy to the World”
My life was perfect, but I was done with commercialism Christmas. I wanted to sing “Joy to the World” and I wanted to mean it, so I told the Lord all this. God answered that prayer like water rushing through floodgates. He opened my eyes and my heart. God showed me that my joy did not depend on finding a perfect Christmas present for my family. My joy did not depend upon whether or not we were all together on Christmas Eve. The true source of my joy came from the fact that over 2000 years ago, God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son. Jesus is the reason for my joy.
Today Kevin and I light the pink candle of joy or the Shepherd’s Candle. One dark night a choir of angels lit up the night sky and told shepherds about good news that would bring mankind great joy. That joy entered our world as Jesus entered our world.
Tonite I pray each of our hearts become the manger in Bethlehem.
Thanks for reminding us all what the “joy” of Christmas is really all about. Just like the Grinch’s heart, it will grow 3 times its normal size when we come to this realization. That the true joy of Christmas is Jesus.